Secrets, Spells and Stares

Lisa adjusted her pendant, her fingers deftly tracing the ornate patterns as if she were entering a secret code. I watched, intrigued, as the gem in the center of the half moon began to glow faintly. She closed her eyes, and a moment later, her expression changed as if she were listening intently to someone. I leaned in closer, trying to catch any sign of what was happening. Lisa's lips didn't move, but I could tell she was communicating with Ancillin through some telepathic connection. The faint glow of the necklace pulsed rhythmically, almost like it was breathing.

After a few minutes, Lisa opened her eyes and looked at me with a mix of excitement and concern. "He answered," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's... not entirely happy with me calling him for this."

"Well?" I asked, trying to keep the anticipation out of my voice.

I leaned forward, eager to hear more. "What did he say?"